Ballpoint Universe Infinite is a unique shoot-em-up arcade game that features hand-drawn artwork made with a ballpoint pen. The developers scanned all of the artwork into a computer and turned it into a quirky game that’s packed with lots to do - as long as players are willing to shell out some cash to unlock everything.

Players play as a little Doodle character who wonders around the hand-drawn landscape. When they first load Ballpoint Universe Infinite, they’ll learn the controls as they blast away to the infinite sky. Once transported high into the air, they are tasked with customizing their ship with weapons and various parts. Then it’s time to fly through the air horizontally to face waves of enemies to earn ink. Ink can be spent unlocking new weapons, wings and specials to help players take out more enemies.

If the enemies prove to be too much, players can explore the ink-drawn world some more. There’s a wheel of luck to spin and a campaign mode to explore. Players who wish to check out the campaign mode will have to unlock it with a $2.99 in-app purchase.

The shoot-em-up arcade mode proves to be fun thanks to the beautiful graphics and almost endless gameplay. The downside is that the detailed artwork makes it hard to tell the flying ship apart from enemies and everything in the background. However, this isn't the only negative with the game. The major disappointment with Ballpoint Universe Infinite is that players can’t try the campaign mode out before unlocking it. Having to shell out cash for IAP’s after only getting to play only one mode is unfortunate.

Ballpoint Universe Infinite is an original title that offers plenty to explore if purchases are made. Playing through platform levels and going on an ink-filled adventure means endless hours of gameplay. For those who only get to play the free infinite sky mode, a few minor tweaks would make it better but it’s certainly worth checking out just to see the astounding artwork and detail put into the game. For now, my fingers are crossed for a trial version of the campaign mode.

Review disclosure: note that the product reviewed on this page may have been provided to us by the developer for the purposes of this review. Note that if the developer provides the product or not, this does not impact the review or score.